Go’el haDam

Avenger. The relative of a person who was killed, who takes it upon himself to avenge his relative’s death. One who unintentionally but negligently killed another is exiled to a city of refuge. If he left that city during the lifetime of the High Priest the avenger was not held liable for killing him. If the relative’s death was the result of murder, the avenger acts as executioner of the convicted murderer. However, if the deceased did not have a relative to act as executioner, the court would appoint someone to serve in that capacity.